Music Education Major Wins Conducting Competition

David Eagleson ’19 is a music education major who believes that music has the power to heal trauma and bring people together.

“Music connects us regardless of race, religion, identity, and so on. Throughout high school, I watched several of my friends deal with personal tragedy, and saw how they would turn to music and our ensembles as a way to deal with their grief. I decided that I wanted to teach music and show my future students how powerful music can be,” said Eagleson.

Eagleson, who attended Milton Hershey High School, first discovered Lebanon Valley through his band director, Jeremy Ulrich '10. He later visited campus and knew LVC was the right fit for him after completing his music audition. 

He immediately jumped into the College’s music culture, joining the men’s music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, as well as the chapter of the National Association of Music Education—serving as president of both organizations. 

Eagleson’s biggest accomplishment so far came this fall at the annual conducting competition hosted by the American Choral Directors Association, an organization dedicated to the art of music and performance. 

“I was mailed two pieces that I was to learn and conduct at the competition,” said Eagleson, who had wanted to compete in this competition since he was a freshman. “On competition day, I had 25 minutes with a high school honors choir to conduct in front of a panel of judges.”

“When my name was called for first place, I was extremely thankful and grateful to Dr. (Kyle) Zeuch for helping me prepare for the competition as well as to all of my friends for supporting me in the weeks leading up to the competition,” he said.

Eagleson credits his professors for their guidance leading up to the conducting competition and also for lessons he will need as he begins his student teaching placements this spring.

“My professors have taught me how to not only teach music, but also to inspire my students, plan concerts, talk with administrators, and communicate with parents,” he said. “I am thankful to LVC for giving me the right environment to grow and develop as a music conductor and individual for the past four years.” 

 

Editor's Note: Eagleson accepted a full-time teaching position as a music teacher at MacArthur Middle School in Maryland.

 

- Sierra Force, LVC Marketing & Communications Student Assistant